Rob Helmke is the Marketing Director for Plastic Ingenuity, Inc., located in Cross Plains, Wisconsin. Plastic Ingenuity is a custom thermoforming manufacturer that has built its reputation in the industry by providing innovative packaging solutions, being customer focused and flexible. Rob is responsible for all facets of Plastic Ingenuity's marketing program including overall strategic direction, Internet and public relations, brand management and business development. Rob has 16 years of packaging industry experience with Plastic Ingenuity, a bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, has served on the Madison Area Technical College marketing advisory board, and has presented at Marketing Profs B2B conferences.

Plastic Ingenuity is excited to announce our inclusion in Plastic News magazines’ list of top 100 thermoformers in the country. The magazine releases this list annually highlighting the top thermoforming companies in the industry. This year, PI was among the top 25 percent of the U.S.’s thermoformers. How the List was Created As the magazine editors and writers compiled their list, they considered thermoformers across the country, examining multiple factors, like thermoforming sales, materials used, number of manufacturing plants, primary end markets and annual resin throughput. Overall, the magazine ranked packaging companies with the largest sales and biggest market output. Our Thoughts At PI, we were very pleased to make the list once again. Plastic News only included industry-leading thermoformers for their list, so making it is quite an honor. Still, because we are always dedicated to improving upon our thermoforming packaging processes, as well as creating new ones, we were also expecting to be included on this list. In the past year, we have introduced new technology that streamlines the packaging process by removing the need to “hot stamp”...

At PI, we are eager to hear news about the future of rigid plastic packaging. We’ve already discussed some of the basics about rigid plastic. Now, we’re excited to see that this type of plastic packaging is growing in popularity for the food and beverage industry. Globally, rigid plastic industry brought in $18 billion in 2012 and experts have projected it will grow five percent within the next four years. These plastics are also becoming increasingly recycle-friendly, and they’re quickly becoming a first choice for manufacturing and packaging companies alike. Growing Demand As people demand more transparency in their food and drink options, the rigid plastic market has also grown. As an ideal solution for clear packaging, companies often use rigid plastic for beverage containers, like sodas and milk jugs to let consumers easily see the product they are purchasing. Businesses often use rigid plastic because it is designed for durability, greatly reducing any chance for leakage or puncture in food and drink containers. Companies are even using this plastic outside the food industry for products like vehicle lighting...

At PI, we like to stay on top of the latest packaging trends. Lately, we’ve noticed that many companies have focused on redesigning the looks of the products as a way to stay in the forefront of consumers’ minds. See how you can plan your own product packaging redesign for your company’s products: How to Plan Your Redesign In the past few years, we’ve seen some major changes in the packaging world. Many companies are even switching from other materials, like glass or paper, to blister plastic packaging. Ramlosa, the carbonated mineral water, has switched from glass to plastic bottles, and Planters has, too. Smart Balance redesigned its polypropylene tubs to increase warehouse efficiencies up to 60 percent and reduce the company’s energy usage up to 18 percent. Whether your redesign is for aesthetic, practical or environmental reasons, your company’s packaging should represent your innovation as a company. You’ll want to create an aesthetic appeal, but your redesign should represent your company’s ideals as well. While it may not be easy, your products will benefit from packaging that is...

As a cosmetic company, you produce quality beauty products for your consumers. Without the right cosmetic container packaging, though, your products may be glanced over before they even have the chance to be considered. Consumers need to examine your beauty product’s colors, features and applications before they can trust it will be a good purchase for them. Blister packaging is often used to display cosmetics like foundation, eye shadows, lipsticks and more. See how this packaging solution can work for your cosmetics company. Packaging Solutions for Cosmetics Many cosmetics often come in sealed plastic containers in blister packaging for additional security. The durable plastic encasing of a traditional blister package allows for products to be easily accessible while protected from damage. Cosmetics like eye shadow, lip balms and mascara are prime candidates for blister packaging. Because many cosmetic products are displayed on racks or pegs, you may want to choose blister packaging. Blister plastic packaging is often used for hanging items because it can display an item’s features, while providing additional security from tampering. Shelf Appearance Appeal Shelf appearance...